Rochdale twitch!If I am lucky enough to birdwatch in Rochdale another ten years I don't think today's observations of six species of tits will be beaten.Watergrove,Marsh,Coal,long tail,Blue,Great titPrivate garden in Rochdale produced a splendid Willow tit this bird was my second in Rochdale. Cheers Alan

After looking again at the feeders (Marsh Tit et alia), including good close views of Lesser Redpolls and an opportunity to judge these critically and get my "eye in" (ahead of hunting for Common Redpoll this winter!) I had a walk along the track which cuts off to the west from the main road up to Little Town, and heard a Chiffchaff singing somewhat tentatively in the plantation there, but before I could pin it down by triangulating from a little further along the path, a couple approached and engaged me in conversation, during which time of course, I lost it.

It was very pleasant but quite windy, with no sign of your previous day's Dunlin, the island being fully occupied by: 1 Cormorant, Lapwings, several Lesser-black-backed Gulls, Common Gulls and Black-headed Gulls. I did note 3 Snipe still, viewed earlier from the approach path to the hide.

Cheers,Mike P.

Hi Mike,

Watergrove is a good place for obtaining close up views of Lesser Redpolls. Although there have never been any Common (Mealy) Redpolls records submitted from the site. Dunlin rarely spend more than a day at Watergrove. It was my first of the year here in what has been a very poor year for waders generally. Probably, due at least partly, to the high pressure dominating our weather during September and October.

The Marsh Tit was still present this morning, landing on the feeders whilst I was topping them up, no more than five feet from where I was standing. So it's now been here for 21 days. A Woodcock flushed 1 metre from the path down to the reservoir, to the east of Roads Farm, nearly giving me a heart attack!

Hi AlanNot sure if you were the guy with the scope we passed, but my wife and I had a very enjoyable first visit to Watergrove this morning despite the rain setting in later:Marsh Tit was very obliging on the feeders and it was good to see the Whoopers (I think they exited about 11am after doing a circuit).Unfortunately no scope to get close ups of the Gulls on the island, but 1st Winter Common Gull was on the reservoir wall as we were leaving.Lesser Redpoll 6Reed Bunting 8Fieldfare 25+Bullfinch 5Goldcrest 4plus many other common species31 sp totalCheersNev

After looking again at the feeders (Marsh Tit et alia), including good close views of Lesser Redpolls and an opportunity to judge these critically and get my "eye in" (ahead of hunting for Common Redpoll this winter!) I had a walk along the track which cuts off to the west from the main road up to Little Town, and heard a Chiffchaff singing somewhat tentatively in the plantation there, but before I could pin it down by triangulating from a little further along the path, a couple approached and engaged me in conversation, during which time of course, I lost it.

It was very pleasant but quite windy, with no sign of your previous day's Dunlin, the island being fully occupied by: 1 Cormorant, Lapwings, several Lesser-black-backed Gulls, Common Gulls and Black-headed Gulls. I did note 3 Snipe still, viewed earlier from the approach path to the hide.

The Marsh Tit was on the feeders again this morning, its eighth day here. Still a long way to go to beat the Healey Dell bird which was present for 49 days during the winter of 2000/01.

Great Crested Grebe - still in breeding plumageA Dunlin moulting in to winter plumage was on the rocky island in the middle of the reservoir (the usually submerged section of Ramsden Rd).Eight Snipe on the pools by the hideA Chiffchaff calling from the plantationsFive male Bullfinches feeding on rowan berries.Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker both showing really well at close range.130 Wood Pigeons flew SW just after 8am. Kestrel - 1Reed Bunting - 3

The hide is open today if anyone wants to take shelter, although there isn't much to be seen from it apart from a snipe and moorhen. To access it, turn right as you go through the metal 5 bar gate next to the windsurfers' club house. Walk across the open area (car park) and follow the path through the trees with the reservoir on your left.

Whilst I always think I can see pretty clear differences between Marsh and Willow Tit, some individuals (particularly at certain times of year, out of range or without any comparison) can practically defy separation from each other based on plumage or structure alone. Most features have a degree of overlap and some are very subjective indeed (and of little use) but their calls remain the key to their identification and thankfully the Watergrove Marsh Tit appears to have given itself well and truly away in that score

I found this article on the complexities of separation of the Poecile spp fascinating. It also made me think how fortunate we are in GM are to be able to view Willow Tits on a regular basis, compared to a lot of the rest of the country

Marsh Tit present at 4.09pm when I arrived at the feeders and I watched it until 5.14pm.

Never flew very far away from the feeders, constantly coming back every couple of minutes or so, it also took food (whatever it was) from the wooden table like object away from the feeders to the right, and it even decided to pick off insects on the lichen in the tree right next to the gate literally feet away. It would give itself away by calling in the bushes quite often. No matter how close it was, this bird made it really difficult for a photo, constantly making rapid feeding movements then flying off in a flash.Quality viewing!!!

A Lesser Redpoll arrived on the feeder at 4.45pm, and was briefly joined by the Marsh Tit (managed a blurred but ID'able photo of them both together) but it stuck around to make for some decent record shots. When it departed the Marsh Tit returned to show itself off some more.

Other birds:Plenty of usual feeder/garden birds...Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Chaffinch.A party of at least 8 Long-tailed Tits moving through and flew out of the trees at the edge of the surfing club car park.

A walk up passed Little Town onto the moor produced a few Meadow Pipits, Goldfinches, and Carrion Crows.

The Marsh Tit was present when we arrived at 0750 using the nyger feeder. It was constantly coming and going, but never disappearing for long and called several times in the hour or so we were present.

-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 25th of October 2014 11:20:48 AM

Long walk over and back today from Ramsbottom via AMR and Greenbooth and Healey Dell but worth the walk.. Great views of the Marsh Tit at the feeding station.
4 Twite just east of Greenbooth Res was another bonus on the walk over
Rob..

Marsh Tit seen well today (Friday) at the feeders behind the Windsurfers building from 2-15pm to 3-00pm. It was feeding on the Nyger seed for about 4 seconds then dashing for cover, but came back fairly regularly. Other birds:- Great Crested Grebe, 10 Blackbird, 12 Robin, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 4 Great Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 12 Goldfinch and up to 50+ Redpoll in the area. 30 Black Headed Gull, 10 LBB Gull flying over. Thanks for finding the bird Steve!

Can't quite believe I'm actually going to twitch a marsh tit tomorrow. The things this hobby does to you! Anyway, I'm hoping it's still around when I get there - fingers toes and everything else crossed

__________________

No one on their death bed ever said they wished they'd spent more time at work. http://bitsnbirds.blogspot.co.uk

Having read Mike Passant's observations before viewing the Marsh Tit today, I was able to see the bird numerous times on the nyger feeder, sometimes staying for 3 or 4 seconds. I can only agree with the description given by Mike regardingthe diffused wing panel, which only showed occasionally at certain angles to the light.Most of the time the wings showed a solid density of colour.I got good views of the silky white underparts, but I did find a narrow area of beige just against the folded wing.It is, indeed, a very sleek looking bird.

With Many thanks to finder Steve Atkins and all those who help with the feeders.

I made no comment on "call" in my post below simply because during my observation I heard no calls, but should stress that this particular bird is readily identifiable visually.

On another aspect, (thanks to John Rayner's digital shots which he kindly "blew up" for us), for the very first time I was able to see the supposedly diagnostic white spot at the base of the upper mandible of the Watergrove bird. I have never been able to pick this up in the field with bins despite trying to see and test this over the years after having read about it.

Whilst I always think I can see pretty clear differences between Marsh and Willow Tit, some individuals (particularly at certain times of year, out of range or without any comparison) can practically defy separation from each other based on plumage or structure alone. Most features have a degree of overlap and some are very subjective indeed (and of little use) but their calls remain the key to their identification and thankfully the Watergrove Marsh Tit appears to have given itself well and truly away in that score

When I arrived on site on Wednesday the Marsh Tit obligingly flew in to the feeder within seconds and promptly shot off again, though not before I expressed satisfaction that my petrol cost was justified as it was indeed an undoubted Marsh Tit, based on its sleek build, greyer brown overall tone to the mantle, together with silky off white underparts unsullied by the buffy flanks which are so obvious on your bull-necked Pennington Willow Tits.

However, over the course of 30 minutes observation, I did note that at certain angles whilst on the feeder the bird did sometimes seem to show a barely discernible diffuse thin pale panel in the folded wing which I felt was caused by slight fading to the outer edges of the tertials, (varied perhaps by how the feathers lay at any particular visit to the feeders), whilst on other views this area appeared cleanly uniform with the mantle and rest of the folded wing as one would expect. This effect was not sufficient cause for any concerns/doubts in my mind, and I'm perhaps being a bit "picky;" - I only mention it here based on what I saw, and I mentioned this to the others present (messrs Broome, Rayner, and Rigby) as a point of interest.

Was still present at 15.00 the most annoying little beast, spent milli seconds on the feeder, so photo opportunity was not good, then hid behind foliage to feed, nice bird, thank you Mr Atkins, I trust you will be mentioning the bird at your talk on 26th November

Keep Birding

Hi Paul,

I'm delighted that you and so many other GM birders have finally been able to see the "mythical Manchester Marsh Tit" to quote your words, or should that be "mythical Rochdale Marsh Tit". It was a stroke of luck that it flew across the windsurfers' car park as I was walking to the hide and perched obligingly in a bare tree just long enough for me to get my bins on to it." It was David Walsh who gave me the idea of putting up a feeder, as he'd recently told me that is how he managed to obtain regular views of a Willow Tit in Tameside. I was really pleased when Mark Rigby texted me on Wed to say the Marsh Tit was on the feeder.

A couple of birders who can't get up there until the weekend have asked me to keep the feeder topped up. Thanks to Alan Nuttall for doing so yesterday and adding a couple of his own and ensuring the bird has a varied diet. I thought it was only Twite in Rochdale that came to nyger seed

As for my talk it's about the Breeding Birds of Greater Manchester: Winners and Losers comparing the changes in distribution between Bird Atlas 2007-11 and BBGM 1979-83. Willow Tit is mentioned but I will have to amend the script now and stop telling people that Marsh Tits don't occur in Greater Manchester.

I was on my own watchimg it from 10 to 11am in the drizzle. It called twice when I arrived but not after that. Alan Nuttall arrived (nice to meet you) with more feed and two more feeders. The bird was in on the Niger seed before Alan even closed the gate. We were treated to the best views of the Marsh Tit when it spent time picking insects amongst the lichen on small branches. The bird showed no sign of any wing panel and was sullied white below and about the neck. There was some gloss on the cap but not majorly so. Another GM lifer if confirmed by the Rarities Committee

Was still present at 15.00 the most annoying little beast, spent milli seconds on the feeder, so photo opportunity was not good, then hid behind foliage to feed, nice bird, thank you Mr Atkins, I trust you will be mentioning the bird at your talk on 26th November

marsh tit was showing very well at the small feeder just beyond the timber field gate at the windsurfers club from 5pm, feeding & storing food up until 5.40pm then disappeared, it also called on a few occasions. blue, great, coal & long tailed tits also feeding there, lets hope someone tops the feeder up as it was nearly empty.4 goldcrest8 siskin2 redpoll1 greenfinch 2 chaffinch3 song thrush1 great crested grebeseveral redwings flying out of the trees.tawny owl heard calling around 5.45pm

I watched the Marsh Tit for some 30 mins on and off, with Dave Broome, Alan Nuttall, (nice to meet you both), Mark Rigby, John Rayner and John Tromans, nearly all obtaining a good selection of photos.

The 5 Whoopers (2 adults 3 Juvs) departed to the north at approx. 12.50, by which time the weather was rather squally; nevertheless before departing myself, I checked through the gulls on the islet: 1 Lesser Black-backed, 2 Common, the rest Black-headed.

-Excellent that a feeding station has been set up, (thanks for that), and good luck if you have yet to visit.

Marsh Tit making regular visits to a feeder behind a timber field gate at the entrance to the windsurfers club to 10:30Adult and first-winter Whooper Swan flew south from reservoir at 09:57 with 2 more adult remaining on the the water

When the two remaining adult Whoopers swam in to full view they were accompanied by 3 first-winter birds

-- Edited by dave broome on Wednesday 22nd of October 2014 02:08:15 PM

A Marsh Tit was feeding with a flock of Long-tailed and other tits by the windsurfers' club house at 08:40 hrs. It was showing really well at less than 20 metres in a sheltered area on the edge of the plantation by the 5 bar metal gate into the windurfers' car park. The bird was heard calling several times and last seen just after 10am.

Thanks to Alan Nuttall for arriving so quickly and helping me to confirm the ID. This record is of course subject to acceptance by the GM Rarities Committee.

The last known Rochdale sighting of Marsh Tit was at Healey Dell from 20th Nov 2000 to 7th Jan 2001.

After many fruitless searches, I have at last caught up with the mythical October Hen harrier!!! Seemingly endless trips to the high ground produced zilch...But as most birders know birds turn up when you are not really looking for them.A superb Ringtail past close over the low banking accompanied by a panic of Lapwings.1 Female Hen Harrier (my 4th for Rochdale. Cheers Alan

A male Common Scoter on the reservoir at 9am. It took flight as two Black-headed Gulls hovered directly overhead and landed on the water again. Still present just before 10am despite being flushed at least once by a windsurfer. As I left more windsurfers were arriving, so I'm not sure how much longer it will hang around.

10 Common Scoters on the reservoir at 19.30 hrs. 8 males and two female/immatures. Perhaps brought down by the late afternoon thunder storm.

The birds were bathing and standing up out of the water, wing flapping. They took flight at 19:50 hrs and probably flew off in a westerly/north-westerly direction but were lost to view behind the trees.

A Spotted Flycatcher hawking from trees along Higher Slack Brook this morning. The location is to the north of the reservoir. Follow the boardwalk between the ponds and the bird was in the trees next to the footpath, just before the kissing gate, grid reference SD908186. Only the second spring record for the site.

Female mallard with 9 ducklings just a few days oldpair of Moorhens with 4 chicks of similar ageGreat Crested Grebe - pair

A calling Cuckoo was seen here and photographed by Deon Meadowcroft on 24th April and was calling again on 1st and 11th May. Assuming it's the same bird, it's clearly been on territory. This morning at approx. 9.45 I heard a Cuckoo calling in the distance, probably in the mature sycamores on the side of Middle Hill. The bird then flew in and landed in a tree close to the steps down to Higher Slack Brook (to the north of the reservoir) and then flew further downstream and was heard but not visible.

Walking up the track from Higher Slack Brook towards Steward Barn I relocated the Cuckoo perched in the trees on the moorland side of Rotary Plantation. Setting up my scope, I was amazed to find that there were in fact two Cuckoos perched in the same beech. The other bird was a grey female, slightly smaller, of duller plumage than the male and silent. The pair were being mobbed by 2 Meadow Pipits.

The male Cuckoo continued calling and fanning its tail perched horizontally on a branch. I watched the birds through my scope for a good half an hour at a distance of approx. 200 metres. Eventually the female flew off into the trees followed by the male. There was no sign of a satellite tag on either bird

Quite a red letter day, as it's the first time I've seen a pair of Cuckoos in GM.